Question

When a subordinate clause is followed by the main clause, _________ is required.

• A. Dash
• B. Semi-colon
• C. Comma
• D. Colon

Hint:

Comma follows an opening subordinate clause.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

English sentence structure calls for a comma whenever a dependent clause opens the sentence and a main clause follows it. Take Because he was late, he missed the bus. The comma after Because he was late tells the reader where the introductory clause ends and the core sentence begins.

The other punctuation marks are built for different jobs. A dash inserts emphasis or an aside, which is not what is needed between a subordinate clause and its main clause. A semicolon links two clauses that could each stand alone as full sentences, but a subordinate clause cannot stand alone, so a semicolon would be misused here. A colon introduces something like a list or explanation, which is not the relationship between a subordinate and a main clause.

The mark that correctly separates a leading subordinate clause from the main clause is the comma, making option 3 the answer.